5 Steps To A Better Financial Future

Since we have almost 2 months left in 2015, I want to do a pulse check to see where you are. Did you set goals in January to help guide you throughout this year? If so, how did you do?  If you aren't where you want to be, then there is still time to start over and take some critical steps towards achieving a better financial future. 

By: Aisha Taylor

Step 1.  Determine your why. Your why is your reason for making the decision to do something different. Making changes in your life, behavior, and habits takes work. Having a strong why will help motivate you to keep going and make the necessary sacrifices to have the life you really want. 

Step 2.  Create your financial blueprint. Creating a financial blueprint consists of a budget and a strategy to achieve your goals. Look at your current bill structure and then determine if there are areas to cut.  Also, look at monthly subscriptions and charges to see if you need them of if they can be modified. Also, identify ways that you can increase your income to achieve your goals faster. 

Step 3.  Understand and strategize around your blind spots. Your blind spots are areas in your spending that you don't notice.  For example, you may buy a lunch everyday without thinking twice.  This is why it is so important to track everything that you spend. This will help you to identify and quantify the items that you buy out of habit. Understanding this will help you to determine what you should keep it cut to be more intentional about how you spend your money. 

Step 4.  Grab a friend. Similar to a gym buddy, embarking on a new journey is more fun with a friend. Remember we are more likely to break our promises to ourselves rather than other people.  Let your friends know that you want their support to help to hold you accountable towards achieving your goals. Then, ask them to participate with you.  

Step 5.  Have fun responsibly. You don't live to work; you work to live. There is nothing wrong with having fun; just do it responsibly. Include items in your budget that are fun and bring you happiness. If you want to have your morning latte then get it. Just make sure that it is included in your budget. Figure out the things that give you the greatest value and then make room for it in your budget without sacrificing your goals and priorities. 

Now that you are equipped with simple tasks to build a better financial future, you can start now.  Don't wait until January because everyday that you wait is another day that you spend not working on creating your ideal life. 

Be sure to leave a comment to let me know what you will do next. 

If you want more tips and resources, download your FREE Hotsheet that will show you the best online savings sites and apps!  Click here to download!

Aisha Taylor is a #1 Amazon Best Selling Author of the book “5+5 FNPhenomenal Ways to Save $100 This Week Without Killing Your Lifestyle”, the Founder of FNPhenomenal (Frugal –n- Phenomenal), and creator of The Live Phenomenal Program. The Live Phenomenal Program is a program designed to give you the tools that you need to totally transform your finances, and stop living from paycheck-to-paycheck. It’s time for you to be Financially Phenomenal! Book your complimentary 20-minute financial clarity session with Aisha here.

BIO

Aisha Taylor, the founder of  Frugal-n-Phenomenal (FNPhenomenal),  is a financial freedom expert who brings a modern and fresh twist to wealth consciousness.

 As the founder of FNPhenomenal she has dedicated her life to building up others and equipping them with the knowledge and resources to be true and legendary change agents within their communities. FNPhenomenal helps women break the vicious cycle of bad money habits by providing them with simple “Every Day Living Principles” that will show them how to live frugally yet phenomenally.

Aisha holds Bachelor degrees in Public Policy and Economics from Duke University and Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. Aisha is also a license and certified Financial Planner.   Prior to launching her company FNPhenomenal, she spent years working in Corporate America as Senior Financial Analyst where she gained experience in business development, budgets & forecasting, creating and  developing financial reports, financial model development, contract analysis, profit and loss statement management, and revenue/profit strategy optimization.  She has also had the opportunity to work as a project manager where she was instrumental in restructuring the accounting processes for many governmental grants.

To learn more about FNPhenomenal and how they can serve you or your group, please visit their website at www.FNPhenomenal.com or email the FNPhenomenal team at aishataylor@fnphenomenal.com.

Connect with Aisha at:

www.FNPhenomenal.com

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @FNPhenomenal

info@fnphenomenal.com

She’s Somewhere in the Middle

I think men everywhere have been asked “What do men really want in a woman.” The answers to that question can vary in so many different ways. For some men, it’s all about the looks. For others, intelligence is key. There is no one conclusive answer. What I do think no man will deny is that a key part in the quest for companionship is balance.

I like a woman with class. A woman who can take care of business in the boardroom and still has a favorite song by the Migos. A woman I can take home to Momma that could possibly have some big, gold earrings that spell out her name amongst her jewelry collection. It’s something special about balance. For example, a good blend for me would be “Fancy” from the Jamie Foxx show and “Lavita” from the Steve Harvey show. Fancy was classy and sophisticated yet lacked a little edge. Lavita was ride or die- a bit rough around the edges but she kept it real in way I can appreciate. 

I don’t want to have to worry about the woman I’m with getting into a fight while we’re out but I don’t want her to be a push over either. I don’t really get into the snooty type that are too good to talk to people but I also would not like it if she was too friendly. I know the importance of being equally yoked with a woman and I know how important sharing a spiritual identity can be when building a long term relationship but I still tend to not date church girls. Why? It’s all comes down to one thing- balance. 

In my personal experience, Typically, women are less interested in sports than men. I am a football fan. I don’t need the woman that I’m with to be Michele Tafoya. However, there is something very attractive about a woman who can throw out a statistic about her favorite player in the middle of a game. If your man is a LeBron James fan just mention how LeBron was the first person to lead the NBA finals in Points, Rebounds and Assists. It may seem small to you and you may not even know what it means but your man will be… very intrigued.

Again, I know the importance of being equally yoked with a woman. I know how important sharing a spiritual identity can be when building a long term relationship but I still tend to not date the overly churched girls. Why? It’s all comes down to one thing- balance. In my personal experience, it can be too much. If I can’t have a regular conversation without you quoting a bible verse, it won’t work. If you have to say “blessed and highly favored” every time a person asks how you’re doing, it won’t work. You love the Lord. Great, I do too. That does not mean that is all I want to talk about.

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All in all, my point is that it is all about balance- this applies to men too. Relationships are about sacrifice and flexibility. We all have that dream man or woman and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, just understand there is no one that’s going to be that person fully. I think that as long as you’re willing to adjust (within reason) to what it is the person you’re interested in likes, things might go a bit further. Don’t be all of one thing. Diversify you’re interest. Balance it out! #MENtalNotes

Jerel Duren

IG: @jerelduren

A Mommy Minute with Jessica Byrd: God Knows Perfect Timing

 By: Jessica Byrd

God is really amazing! He knows our flaws, He knows our hearts and He's always right on time! I'm in the midst of starting a new career, and when I gave my previous job my two weeks notice, I had the option to go right back to work, or take those two weeks off. As tempting as it was to go straight back to work, I prayed ,and God told me to take a break. That was the best thing he could of ever told me. After I had my son, I went right back to work after only two weeks, and have been working ever since! Now, I'm on week two from my break and it has been an amazing relief.

I had time to actually spend the day time with my son, just me and him, since my daughter goes to school during the day. I almost cried watching my son play because I realized that our time together had been limited to after work hours and weekends. During this break, my son decided that he was ready to use the big boy potty! Perfect timing!

God knows everything there is to know about us. His timing is perfect, and we have to trust and believe that God always have our best interest at heart! It's easy to allow other things to lead us like money, but sometimes you just need a good break. I couldn't tell you the last time I had two weeks off, but what I can tell you is that it was something I desperately needed!

 When is the last time you had some time off? Are you overworking?! Do you have unused vacation days at work? If you can't take two weeks, start with ONE day. Vacation time doesn't always have to be used for trips, sometimes you need a day to just relax, be normal and enjoy the simplicity of life!

This weekend we went to ZooBoo, The Detroit Zoo’s annual “merry-not-scary” Halloween trick-or-treat trail through the front of the Zoo in Royal Oak, Mi. It was crowded and a bit overwhelming, but the children enjoyed it!

 
Jessica M. Byrd is the parent of a two and one year old. 

She is the founder of Detroit Moms Rock! and believes 

every mother should live a life on purpose!

A Mommy Minute With Jessica Byrd: Mom's and The Workforce

By: Jessica Byrd
 
Last Monday, due to my daughter, Lailah, being home sick, I stayed home with her. This meant taking a sick day to be Doctor Mommy . Which brings me to this week's Mommy Minute post; do employers really respect, better yet understand your duties as a mother? I've always been raised to believe that my children come first, no ifs, ands, or buts about it! From as long as I could remember, if I was sick, my mom was right there by my side. I know some mothers in the workforce don't have that same luxury, but I'm also wondering, when you call in sick because your child isn't feeling well, does your employer really respect this or do they see this as another excuse?!  Women have come a very long way, we're now able to provide for ourselves, get higher paying jobs, be bosses, and educate ourselves, but, when it comes to the workforce there still seems to be a thin line between the understanding of your number one job, Motherhood! 

I'll never forget an employee once told me, "never tell your boss your excuse is your children, they don't want to hear that." I immediately thought "Children are NOT my excuse, they"re my reality." It's so hard for working mothers, and that's not to say being a stay at home mom is easy; something as simple as leaving out the door can be a power struggle with toddlers, truth be told.  By time we get to our own work, sometimes we're already tired, exhausted and mentally stressed from a meltdown our toddler decided to have on their way to school. While I understand the importance of leaving your problems at home, and putting on your big girl panties and keep it moving, I don't think It's fair for employers to ignore the importance of motherhood and simply look at caring for our children as an excuse! For mothers struggling with this I suggest two things:

1. In your next employer, examine the culture of the job. This is very very important! I know as mothers we do what we have to do to provide for our children, but I wholeheartedly believe we deserve to be happy even at work! If your job is stressing you out, not being understanding and causing you more headache, it might be time for you to seek another employer. I think we have this mindset that all employers won't care about you being a mother first but that's not true! Examine the culture of your new job, some employers really believe in work, life, balance. This may mean allowing you to work from home one day a week, having a flexible schedule and etc.

1. If seeking another employer isn't an option find the peaceful time for yourself before you get your day started. As mentioned in one of my previous blogs,  many times, I would be exhausted the night before, and my children would wake me early in the morning. By that time, I'm a walking zombie and we're rushing out of the house. Someone suggested setting my alarm clock an hour early and start my day with prayer, that way I controlled the mornings instead of my demanding toddlers. Furthermore, we're not rushing out the door which usually causes more confusion. 

Believe me mothers I know the struggle of being a full time mom, and trying to jumpstart your career is not easy--the tolls it takes on you can be very stressful. It's important that everything we do, aligns with the fact that first, we're mothers! Even if that means forgoing  a dinner party during the week because that night you have to prepare for your morning. It is a daily struggle that will continue  until your children turn 18 (kidding!) 


This weekend we watched Michigan State's victory over U of M!!!! And Sunday the whole family went to church! 

Don't forget our moms and finance workshop is approaching! Must RSVP to attend!

 
Jessica M. Byrd is the parent of a two and one year old. 

She is the founder of Detroit Moms Rock and believes 

every mother should live a life on purpose!

The Last Days in September

By: Ayana Bryant-Weekes

Image by @geicogic on Instagram

I think there were about two and a half weeks left in September. My pastor, Bishop J. Drew Sheard along with my First Lady, Evangelist Karen Clark-Sheard, were fresh off of a trip to the Holy land of Jeruselem.  This particular Sunday, my pastor preached a message titled It Could Happen In September. I sat in my seat sarcastically thinking, there are maybe seven good days left in September, whatever it God is getting ready to do, doesn't have very much time left to happen. Looking back, I see how easily I let my faith get weak-- I am the daughter of the the Author of time and I had foolishly forgotten that He created more than my finite mind can even comprehend in seven days and took one of those days to kick His feet up! "It" could very well happen in September!

What is IT? What could happen? IT is the paradigm shift that pushes you into a new phase of life; a new season so to speak. Not too long after my Bishop preached that message, I shifted into a season I like to call "A Whole Lotta Church!" Pentecostal Explosion 2015 was the very next week and I would find myself going back and forth to a series of extra services for four days on top of normally scheduled services. Between being in the adult choir and youth choir, I was still a member, eager to see whatever was about to "happen" in September with just two days left in the month.

Over the next few days I witnessed my church family and I experience back to back to back worship encounters that I had never experienced in my 20+ years of membership. From praise and worship, to The Word, to the youth choir hosting their first Youth Explosion Musical that grossed 400 youth that night, my church was experiencing a shift. It felt like as those worship experiences intensified,  I was bombarded with good news from my friends and family. Small networking opportunities as new businesses ideas finally came into fruition, new marriages, new families, new ideas and new motivations! I finally saw "it". I jokingly (but slightly seriously) texted my best friend and told her that "the glow up" was finally happening!

GEI Young & Free Youth Explosion Musical

Image by @geiyoungandfree on IG

This past Sunday my Bishop preached a message called An Encounter With God from Genesis 28:16. The message recalled Jacob's first time away from home where he had his first encounter with God. I made a note of something my Bishop said that stood out to me "...this encounter sent Jacob away with new plans and new goals." I felt like maybe God had loosed the spirit of Jacob during this experience.

Bishop J. Drew Sheard

Evg. Karen Clark Sheard

The Shift Image by @geicogic on Instagram

The last days in September have been a lesson in God's timing, reassuring me that any time I felt I wasted, is no longer a factor. I've been sharing with my closest friends that I'm claiming 2016 to be a monumental year for us! If you have a goal or dream that you haven't begun to work towards, I'll share my anticipation for the new season with you! Evidence of change is all around us, THIS is the signal to take that first step!

Introducing: Mental Notes with Jerel Duren

Hey guys! So, we at The A Team Talk Show are so excited to be expanding and doing new things! It feels so good to FINALLY introduce singer/songwriter (and previous guest blogger), Jerel Duren as our newest blogger for The A Team Talk Show along with Mental Notes, The A Team Talk Show's blog for today's gentleman!

You may remember Jerel and the 7 Tips for Better Dating he shared with us earlier this year; now he'll be sharing more of his gentlemanly thoughts on a regular basis! To talk more with Jerel and to find out the official launch date for Mental Notes, follow @theateamtalksho on Periscope and tune in this Thursday October 8, 2015 at 7pm for the LIVE Q&A!

Raising A Family In Detroit: We Are Not Statistics!

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I saw an article about raising a family in Detroit in Metro Parent and it immediately hit home. I have been a Detroit Girl all my life; I’m even a product of the Detroit Public School system, and while I have a long way to go, I would like to say I'm on the right track. When I hear people negatively speak about Detroit I quickly jump into defense mode. It wasn't until I had children that I actually contemplated jumping the fence over to the suburbs. I still struggle with my decision but I know that I would only move out of Detroit to provide my children with an outstanding education. However, when I look back over the things I struggle with as an adult, it’s mostly family structure more than education. I know my mom did the best she could to provide for my brother and I, but we do learn from our parents and try to be even better parents. Here are some things I believe are essential for parents to do, particularly those living in inner cities such as Detroit that sometimes sets us apart as successful adults. 

1. Save for your children's education: I admit, I was that parent—fancy birthday parties every year, spending $300 for a two hour party for a toddler—that won't happen again for me as I quickly learned this was a mistake. I do believe in celebrating birthdays but it doesn't have to be so extravagant every year. Children just love being around their friends and I think the single best gift I can give my children is a tuition free education. That way, as an adult, they're not struggling with debt like I am. Now, I’m not saying everyone in Detroit is in debt and everyone living in the suburbs is debt free, this is just data from the majority and it seems that suburban communities have already grasped this concept.
2. Education is important but home is a priority. Yes, education is important but even if you send your children to top-of-the-line schools, I doesn’t matter if your home doesn’t have a loving, structured learning environment. The same goes for children attending public schools; there are very successful people that came form public schools but because their home environment also supplemented learning and taught them values, they were able to close the gap if it wasn't being offered in school. Parents are also teachers since learning doesn't stop at school. As parents, we need to implement homework times, discipline, structure, teach manners etc. The home is a child’s first classroom, so don't neglect it! 
3. Race does matter! Yes I said it! Everyone says race doesn't matter and that children don’t notice racial differences at a young age. I don't think race is as important as we make it, but, I do believe that children notice when they look different from everyone in their class. It's important we talk about race with our children and people who look different in general. We can't ignore race, especially not in today's society.  
4. Extra-curricular activities are important. We need to expose our children to activities that develop a sense of teamwork and discipline. Detroiters may not have access to the prestigious golf clubs, and tennis clubs but we still have access to recreational centers such as the YMCA in downtown Detroit that offer a lot of activities for toddlers and teens.
5. We don't have to be a statistic. Everyone raising their families in inner cities are not low income, or ignorant. Some people just believe in their city and support the progress in their current city. I have been raising my family in Detroit for almost three years and my home has never been broken into or anything of that sort. You don't have to be a statistic, we can teach our children different but it all starts with us.

Raising children is one of the single hardest things to do but as parents we have to make the best decisions for our children's longevity.

Join us on November 14th for our moms and finance workshop!!!  To learn some savings and finance tips!! 

 

Jessica M. Byrd is the parent of a two and one year old. 

She is the founder of Detroit Moms Rock and believes 

every mother should live a life on purpose!